Summer fun fair for Ballycastle?

Moyle councillors have heard the site is close to the Marine Hotel and is currently surrounded by hoardings where houses came down in recent times.

Although the idea is currently in the early stages, councillors heard it would be for three months of the year and be aimed at younger children.

Cllr Madeline Black (SDLP) said she was approached on the matter and a meeting was held with planners who, she claimed, gave “very negative feedback”.

She said she would like the Council to support the efforts of the people behind the Fun Fair plan who have a long association with providing Fun Fairs at Ballycastle during the week of the Lammas Fair.

She said the Fun Fair would be aimed at young people and for children’s entertainment.

Cllr Paudie McShane (Sinn Fein) said the discussions which have been held so far were a “stepping stone” to a full planning application and he said there seemed to have been “positive enough” aspects in the meeting.

He said mention was made of Roads Service’s view on the access to the site but he said the most important thing at this stage is that the support exists in the community for the plan and he added: “I have no doubt Ballycastle and Moyle councillors would have no apprehensions in supporting this initiative”.

Cllr McShane said the Council is always trying to encourage the private sector in starting up tourism projects and he said this is a good scheme which deserves support.

Independent councillor Seamus Blaney said it is a great idea to have such a Fun Fair during the summer in Ballycastle.

Cllr McShane said the Fun Fair would not be permanent all year round but three months, during the summer, and he said at no stage will the presence of the Fun Fair effect whatever the long term plans are for the Quay Road site as he said the Fun Fair could be looked at on a year to year basis.

Planning officer Julie McMath told Moyle Council said a pre-application meeting was held where the potential applicant wanted to highlight the proposal.

She said it is in a Conservation Area where there are listed buildings and she said it was pointed out that Roads Service may have a view.

Council Chairperson, Cllr Cara McShane (Sinn Fein), said: “It is good to see businesses taking the initiative.”

She said the Fun Fair will target a “younger” age group.

A formal planning application has yet to be made.